Professional Volunteer Fire Department

Thomas A. Merrill is a 40-year veteran in the Snyder Fire Department in Amherst, New York. He served 26 years as a department officer including 15 years in the chief officer ranks. He was chief of department from 2007–2012 and currently serves as a fire commissioner for the Snyder Fire District. He is also a professional fire dispatcher for the Town of Amherst Central Fire Alarm Office. Merrill has written articles for Fire Engineering magazine about the professional volunteer fire department and continues to teach on the subject. Merrill also has a number of courses on The Fire Academy.

• ForewordPrefaceAcknowledgments1. A Proud Tradition Confronted by Challenging TimesThere Is Still a Need for VolunteersPerception Versus RealityThe Social Club Volunteer Fire DepartmentToday’s Challenging TimesVolunteer Responsibilities Versus Community ExpectationsProfessional Firefighters Must Maintain the Trust of Their CommunityProfessional Development for the Professional FirefighterAll Members Contribute to a Professional Image and ReputationProfessionalism on Every LevelProfessional Development Tip #12. Recruiting New Members in Today’s Challenging TimesBe a Recruitment AmbassadorFirehouse Visits and Special Recruitment ProgramsDiversity and InclusionYouth and Junior ProgramsHighlight the Intangible BenefitsUse Social Media to Help Get the Word OutBe Open-Minded to New IdeasProfessional Development Tip #23. The Application ProcessKeep Applicants in the LoopBackground ChecksThe Membership ApplicationProfessional Development Tip #34. Orientation, Mentoring, and Mutual RespectThe Orientation ProgramWhat to CoverThe Mentor ProgramMutual RespectProfessional Development Tip #45. Drills and TrainingThe Need for a Professional-Grade Training ProgramOrganized DrillsRegular DrillsPertinent DrillsWidespread Acceptance of DrillsOther ConsiderationsProfessional Development Tip #56. Preparation Preparedness Is a Professional TrademarkThe PlaybookPreplan ProgramsThe “What If” DrillDriver TrainingHealth and WellnessSituational AwarenessProfessional Development Tip #67. Performance, Appearance, and Behavior PerformanceAppearanceBehaviorAlcohol in the FirehouseProfessional Development Tip #78. Using Social Media and Contributing to the Brand Your Social Media PolicySocial Media PostingProfessional Development Tip #89. Community Events and Interactions A Long-Standing TraditionShow Off Your Skills and Talents Every Chance You GetThe Open HouseDress and Act Like a ProfessionalAlcohol Consumption at Community EventsDonations and Thank-You CardsProfessional Development Tip #910. Succession Management and Preparing Future Officers The Succession Management PlanThe Succession Management PlaybookForms and Document Storage and AccessibilityPersonal Preparedness and Professional DevelopmentProfessional Development Tip #1011. Financial Management and Theft Prevention Financial ManagementInventory ManagementProfessional Development Tip #1112. History, Heritage, and Pride Understanding Our Fire Service HistoryUnderstanding the History of Our Fire DepartmentHouse PrideProfessional Development Tip #1213. Where Do We Go from Here? Building a Professional Foundation Is Under Your Own Personal ControlProfessional Development Tip #13Notes Index

If you can read this book and not feel a sense of pride, that overwhelming feeling of service above self, the feeling that what you do as a volunteer firefighter matters, then maybe it’s time for a change. But if you are the one who reads it and gets fired up about what we do, then you’re in for a very special ride!" - Chief Rick Lasky, Fire Chief (ret.), Lewisville Texas"Tom Merrill is a true gentleman and a professional. His classes and articles detailing professionalism in the volunteer fire service are captivating and informative. This book is no different and should be on the must-read list of all volunteer firefighters, regardless of rank, title, or experience." - Brandon S. Fletcher, Fire Chief, Gilt Edge (TN) Fire Department"Tom Merrill has spent his life working to improve the ‘professional’ image of the volunteer firefighter. This book is a compilation of his experiences and what works and doesn’t work in the recruiting, retaining, and development of the professional volunteer firefighter. His writing challenges you to raise your standard of performance." - Chief John M. Buckman III, State Fire Training Director at Indiana State Fire Marshal’s Office